Device for pulling a removable mechanism from a lock

ABSTRACT

A device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a lock including a support plate adapted to straddle the keyoperated mechanism of the lock and engage a nonremovable, doormounted portion of the lock, a key-operated mechanism pulling means disposed in spaced apart parallel relation to the support plate and adapted to engage the key-operated mechanism, and means connecting the support plate and pulling means and mounting said pulling means for translational movement toward and away from the support plate.

limited States Patent (721 inventor John B. Ellis 844 West Marion SL. Shelby, N.C. 28150 [21 1 Applv No. 804,904 [22] Filed Mar. 6, 1969 [45} Patented Aug. 17, 1971 l 54] DEVICE FOR PULLING A REMOVABLE MECHANISM FROM A LOCK 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 29/259, 29/266 |5 l Int. Cl a. 823p 19/04 [50] Field oi Search 29/256, 257. 278, 266, 259

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,255 .4l l 8/1941 Thompson 29/256 Primary Examiner Andrew R Juhasz Assistant Examiner-Leon Gilden Attorney-Parrott, Bell Seltzer, Park 8L Gibson ABSTRACT: A device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a lock including a support plate adapted to straddle the key-operated mechanism of the lock and engage a nonremovable, door-mounted portion of the lock, a keyoperated mechanism pulling means disposed in spaced apart parallel relation to the support plate and adapted to engage the key-operated mechanism, and means connecting the support plate and pulling means and mounting said pulling means for translational movement toward and away from the support plate.

SHEET 2 [IF 2 PATENTEU AUG] 7 I9?! INVENTOR JOHN 9 ELLIS flmzzrdwggwwxm ATTORNEYS DEVICE FOR PULLING A REMOVABLE MECHANISM FROM A LOCK This invention relates in general to a device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a lock and in particular to a device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a knob-set lock.

A knob-set lock has a key-operated mechanism carried in an outer knob rotatably mounted on the outer side of a door with a latch member extending from the edge of the door and an inner knob rotatably mounted on the inner side of the door. These locks are usually unlocked from the outer knob by inserting and turning a key in the key-operated mechanism. Frequently, people, lose, misplace or forget their key or the lock becomes jammed, and thus, the lock cannot be unlocked and entry through that door cannot be made. It then becomes necessary to have the key-operated mechanism removed from the lock in order for the door to be opened. Previously, it has been usually necessary to remove the key-operated mechanism from the lock by knocking off the knob with a hammer or by other methods, all of which damage the knob and/or key-operated mechanism and require their replacement.

In knob-set locks, the key-operated mechanism may be removed from the lock of one type by pulling a removable knob having the key-operated mechanism carried therein from the lock and from the lock of another type by pulling the removable key-operated mechanism from the knob of the lock. The removal of the key-operated mechanism from these two types of knob-set locks present distinctly different problems. However, the pulling force normally required to remove the key-operated mechanisms of both types of knobset locks is too great to be applied manually, hence devices to facilitate removal of the key-operated mechanisms from the two types of knob-set locks are required, but heretofore such a device which will effectively remove the key-operated mechanisms without damaging either the key-operated mechanisms or the remainder of the locks has not been provided.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a device to facilitate removal of a key-operated mechanism from a lock without damage to the key-operated mechanism or to the remainder of the lock.

A more specific object of this invention is the provision of a device which may be used to remove the key-operated mechanisms from both types of knob-set locks with minor changes in the elements used and the arrangement of these elements.

The above and more desirable objects inherent in and encompassed by the invention, together with a more complete understanding of the invention will be comprehended upon reading the ensuing description with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a first form of the device of this invention in position for pulling a removable knob from a knob-set lock;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the various elements of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second form of the device of this invention in position for pulling a removable keyoperated mechanism from a knob ofa knob-set lock;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing the engagement of the pulling means with the key-operated mechanism ofthe knob ofthe lock; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 showing the nut and bolt clamping arrangement ofFlG. 4.

As stated above, knob-set locks are generally of two types distinguished from each other by the entire outer knob being removable in one type while only the key-operated mechanism is removable from the outer knob in the other type. While the present invention contemplates the provision of an independent device for each type lock, it is preferred that the device of the present invention include elements which are usable for both types of whereby a device which may be used to remove the key-operated mechanisms from both types of knob-set locks with simple changes in the ele- 'ments used and the arrangement thereof is provided.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a first from of arrangement of the elements of the device of this invention for pulling a removable knob K, having a key-operated mechanism M carried therein, from a knob-set lock and, in FIGS. 3-5, a second form of arrangement of the elements of the device of this invention for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism M from a knob K of a knob-set lock. In each case a door D has mounted therein a knob-set lock wherein the knob K or K is rotatably mounted on the outer side of the door D by means of a collar C and shank S with a latch member L extending from the edge of the door D and through a slot in latch plate P which is secured against the edge of the door D.

The elements of the present invention include three generally rectangular plates 10, 20, 30 and a plurality of connecting members which extend between two of the plates and mount one of the plates for translational movement relative to the other plate. In the form of the device of the present invention which is adapted to remove the entire outer knob of a knob-set lock, plates 10 and 20 are utilized with plate 10 defining a support plate and with plate 20 defining pulling means. Plate 10 has a bifurcated portion 11 defined by legs 12 on opposite sides of a cutout and with legs 12 adapted to straddle the shank S of a knob-set lock. Plate 10 also has three spaced inverted conical recesses 13 with one of the recesses 13 being located in each of the legs 12 and the other recess being in the remainder of plate 10 substantially equidistantly spaced from the recesses 13 in legs 12.

Plate 20 has a bifurcated portion 21 defined by legs 22 on opposite sides of a cutout and with legs 22 also adapted to straddle the shank S of a knob-set lock. Plate 20 has three spaced, internally threaded openings 23 therein disposed in legs 22 and the remainder of plate 20 at locations corresponding to the locations of recesses 13 in plate 10.

In this form of device, the plurality of connecting members comprise three threaded bolts 24 respectively received in the internally threaded openings 23 and having conical end portions 24a which are matingly received in recesses 13. Bolts 24 connect plates 10 and 20 in generally spaced-apart, parallel relation and the cooperating threads on bolts 24 and in openings 23 mount plate 20 for translational movement toward and away from plate 10 upon rotation of bolts 24 relative to the plates. To facilitate such rotation, a wingnut 25 is mounted on each bolt 24 on the end thereof opposite the conical end portion and a locknut 26 is also mounted thereon to hold the wingnut 25 against rotation relative to the bolt 24.

To remove the entire outer knob K ofa knob-set lock, plate 10 is positioned with legs 12 straddling the shank S and engaging the collar C. Plate 20 is likewise positioned with legs 22 straddling shank S and with the conical ends of bolts 24 disposed in recesses 13 (FIG. 1). Bolts 24 are then rotated by means of wing nuts 25 in the appropriate direction to move pulling plate 20 away from support plate 10 and to exert a sufficient pulling force on the knob K to remove the knob K from the lock.

When the elements of the present invention are to be used to pull a removable key-operated mechanism M from a knob K of a knob-set lock (FIGS 3-5), plate 20 defines a support plate 20' and is positioned with legs 22 straddling the shank S of the lock with the inner surface pressing against the collar C or door D. Plate 30 defines a pulling plate and is disposed in spaced-apart, generally parallel relation to support plate 20' and is connected to support plate 20' by two of the bolts 24'. The ends of the bolts 24 opposite the conical ends 240 are threaded into the internally threaded openings 23' in the legs 22 of support plate 20 with locknuts 26' locked against support plate 20' such that bolts 24 are held against rotation relative to support plate 20. The other ends of bolts 24 are disposed through slightly oversized openings 31 in pulling plate 30 and Wingnuts 25 are threaded on bolts 24 between the support plate and pulling plate 30 for rotation relative to the bolts 24' to translate pulling plate 30 away from support plate 20'.

A pulling member 40 has one end portion 41 thereof disposed through an opening 32 in pulling plate 30 and has the other end portion 42 thereof shaped into a master key configuration adapted to be inserted into the key slot of the keyoperated mechanism M and including a notch to catch upon tumblers T therein, FIG. 4. The end 41 of pulling member 40 extending through plate 30 is connected to pulling plate 30 such that translational movement of pulling plate 30 away from support plate 20' will exert a pulling force therethrough on the key-operated mechanism M. This connection is preferably effected by a clamping arrangement 43 mounted one end portion 41 and comprising a bolt 44 having an elongated slot 45 disposed longitudinally of the threaded portion thereof for receiving the end portion 41 therein and a nut 46 threadably mounted on bolt 44 below end portion 41 of pulling member 40 and having a clamping member 47 loosely disposed therein and slidable in slot 45 upon rotation of nut 46 on bolt 44 for clamping against end portion 41 of the pulling member 40. Additional clamping strength is obtained by having a notch in end portion 41 into which clamping member 47 is received.

In order to insure that the master key portion 42 will remain caught upon the tumblers T within the key-operated mechanism M, a key slot filler 50, FIG. 4, may be provided which includes a wedge-shaped portion 51 adapted to fit within and fill the unfilled portion of the key slot of the keyoperated mechanism M and an ear shaped portion 52 to facilitate manual insertion of the wedge portion 51 into the unfilled portion to the key slot.

To remove a key-operated mechanism from an outer knob, support plate 20 is positioned with legs 22 straddling the shank S and bolts 24 extending outwardly. Pulling plate 30 is positioned onto bolts 24 and master key end portion 42 of pulling member 40 is inserted into the key slot of the lock. Key slot filler 50 may also be inserted in the key slot to insure engagement of master key portion 42 with the tumblers. Wingnuts are then rotated in an appropriate direction to move pulling plate away from support plate 20 and to pull the key-operated mechanism M from the lock.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What 1 claim is:

l. A device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a knob-set lock comprising support plate means including a generally bifurcated portion adapted to straddle the key-operated mechanism of the lock,

pulling plate means disposed in spaced-apart, generally parallel relation to said support plate means,

pulling member means operatively connected to said pulling plate and having one end portion extending toward said support plate means configured for penetration into the key-operated mechanism and for catching therewithin, and

means connecting said support plate means and pulling plate means and mounting said pulling plate means for translational movement toward and away from said sup port plate means whereby said pulling plate means and said pulling member means may be translated away from said support plate means to cause said pulling member means to pull the key-operated mechanism from the lock, said mounting means comprising a plurality of connecting members extending between said support plate means and said pulling plate means and means mounting said pulling plate means on said connecting members for translational movement therealongi 2. A device according to claim 1 w erein said connecting members comprise a plurality of bolts, one end of said bolts being fixedly connected to said support plate means, and said pulling plate means being slideably mounted on said bolts, and wherein said means mounting said pulling plate means on said connecting members comprise a plurality of nuts having cooperating internal threads mounted on said bolts intermediate said support plate means and pulling plate means for translational movement of said pulling plate means toward and away from said support plate means upon rotation of said nuts to cause said pulling member means to pull the keyoperated mechanism from the knob of the lock.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein said pulling member means comprises a master key with an elongate shank having a notched end portion for fitting within the key slot of the key-operated mechanism and for catching upon the tumblers therewithin for exerting a pulling force upon the keyoperated mechanism.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said master key comprises an elongated shank having a notched end portion adapted to fit within the key slot of the key'operated mechanism and catch upon the tumblers therein for exerting a pulling force upon the key operated mechanism.

5. A device according to claim 4 and including a key slot filler adapted to fit within and fill the unfilled portion of the key slot of the key operated mechanism when the master key is caught upon the tumblers therein for preventing the master key from being pulled from the key slot. 

1. A device for pulling a removable key-operated mechanism from a knob-set lock comprising support plate means including a generally bifurcated portion adapted to straddle the key-operated mechanism of the lock, pulling plate means disposed in spaced-apart, generally parallel relation to said support plate means, pulling member means operatively connected to said pulling plate and having one end portion extending toward said support plate means configured for penetration into the key-operated mechanism and for catching therewithin, and means connecting said support plate means and pulling plate means and mounting said pulling plate means for translational movement toward and away from said support plate means whereby said pulling plate means and said pulling member means may be translated away from said support plate means to cause said pulling member means to pull the key-operated mechanism from the lock, said mounting means comprising a plurality of connecting members extending between said support plate means and said pulling plate means and means mounting said pulling plate means on said connecting members for translational movement therealong.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting members comprise a plurality of bolts, one end of said bolts being fixedly connected to said support plate means, and said pulling plate means being slideably mounted on said bolts, and wherein said means mounting said pulling plate means on said connecting members comprise a plurality of nuts having cooperating internal threads mounted on said bolts intermediate said support plate means and pulling plate means for translational movement of said pulling plate means toward and away from said support plate means upon rotation of said nuts to cause said pulling member means to pull the key-operated mechanism from the knob of the lock.
 3. A device according to claim 1 wherein said pulling member means comprises a master key with an elongate shank having a notched end portion for fitting within the key slot of the key-operated mechanism and for catching upon the tumblers therewithin for exerting a pulling force upon the key-operated mechanism.
 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said master key comprises an elongated shank having a notched end portion adapted to fit within the key slot of the key-operated mechanism and catch upon the tumblers therein for exerting a pulling force upon the key operated mechanism.
 5. A device according to claim 4 and including a key slot filler adapted to fit within and fill the unfilled portion of the key slot of the key operated mechanism when the master key is caught upon the tumblers therein for preventing the master key from being pulled from the key slot. 